The Clayton Law Firm, PC

06/10/2026

My heart breaks for Karmelo Anthony and his family today.

At just 19 years old, Karmelo was sentenced to 35 years in prison. One moment he was a young scholar-athlete with his entire future ahead of him. The next, he found himself facing a first-degree murder charge. Today, he begins the next chapter of his life as a convicted felon headed to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

No matter how quickly the headlines move on, his family will live with this reality every single day.

As a criminal defense attorney, I have seen what prison does to people. The penitentiary does more than take away freedom, it changes a person's mentality. It changes how they see the world, how they trust, how they survive, and often who they become. When a young person enters prison, they do not simply lose years. They lose pieces of themselves that can never be fully recovered.

My heartbreaks thinking about a young promising Black man whose life was forever altered in a matter of moments. A young man who once had dreams, plans, and unlimited possibilities now faces decades behind prison walls.

I don’t really care what anyone thinks about where I stand on this, it’s with Karmelo. I see a tragedy. I see another promising young Black man whose future will never look the same.

Praying for Karmelo and everyone who loves him. 💕💕

05/30/2026

[Scholarship Opportunity]

The Maryellen Hicks Black Women Lawyers Association is pleased to offer the annual Charlye O. Farris Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This scholarship honors the legacy of Charlye O. Farris, the first African American woman licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
o Currently enrolled in an accredited law school or accepted for admission to a law school.
o Submit the completed application attached.
o In good academic standing.
o Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or community leader.
o Provide a transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted).
o Provide verification of current enrollment or law school acceptance for Fall 2025.
o List any known members of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Tarrant County.

Application Process:
o Applications must be received by June 24, 2026.
o A link to submit the application and upload all documents is available here:
https://zurl.co/EF5MV

Scholarship Presentation:
Should you be awarded the scholarship, we request that all recipients attend our annual Hotter Than July Happy Hour that will take place on July 30, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Location details will be shared at a later date.

05/30/2026

Call us!
(469) 251-2554
☎️

05/13/2026

Looking for a fresh start? We have some good news!

Our next 12-week reentry class has a new start date of May 19th. What does that mean for you? It means you have a little extra time to get signed up and secure your spot in a program that truly changes lives.

We don’t just help you find a job: we help you build a career. With a 95% job placement rate for our graduates, our team is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to succeed, from resume building and interview prep to mental health support and financial management.

Don't let the past define your future. This is your chance to join a community that believes in you and your potential.

The countdown to May 19th is on! Visit prisontopurpose.net today to apply or learn more. Let's make this the beginning of your best chapter yet.

05/13/2026

Nomination Deadline Extended!

The deadline for nominations for DWLA's Annual Awards has been extended to Friday, May 29th. Note that a returning category has been added "Outstanding Woman Lawyer." The awards will be presented at our Awards Gala on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Categories include:
🌟 Louise B. Raggio Award
Recognizes a person demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and who has contributed significantly to the advancement of women attorneys. The recipient may be a woman or male attorney who has been practicing law for at least ten (10) years in the DFW area.
🌟 Outstanding Corporate Counsel
Recognizes an outstanding woman lawyer in the DFW area who has worked inside a corporate legal department for a minimum of five (5) years.
🌟 Outstanding Woman Lawyer
Recognizes an outstanding woman lawyer in private practice in the DFW area.
🌟 Rising Raggio
Recognizes an outstanding woman lawyer who has been practicing for less than eight years as of June 1st and who has had significant professional accomplishments and acted as a leader in the Dallas community and/or her firm.

Requirements and nomination forms can be found on our website using the link below.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026
Submit your nomination: https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/awards-reception/

Questions? Contact: [email protected]
Let’s honor the trailblazers shaping our profession and inspiring future generations!

05/13/2026

This is a very necessary conversation for a very uncertain time. In the blink of an eye the SCOTUS dismantled the Voting Rights Act — legislation that for decades served as one of the nation’s strongest protections against voter suppression and discrimination at the ballot box. At a time when access to voting continues to shape the future of our communities, this decision has left many people asking: where do we go from here?

Join the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association and the Maryellen Hicks Black Women Lawyers Association on Tuesday, May 19 at noon for an important discussion examining the impact of the Callais decision, the history and legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and where we go from here.

Our panelists will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective while also providing tools and strategies to help move us forward during this critical moment in our nation’s history.

This is more than a conversation about the past — it is a conversation about the present and the future of voting rights, civic engagement, and protecting democracy.
All are invited to attend.

Click the link in the comments to register or download the QRcode.

*1 hour CLE approved

05/12/2026

Bittersweet day at The Clayton Law Firm as we say goodbye to two incredible interns on their last day with us.

London (white shirt) is headed to Howard University, and Arin (brown shirt) is headed to Tuskegee University.

We are so proud of everything they’ve accomplished during their time here and cannot wait to see all they achieve in this next chapter. Wishing you both continued success, growth, and unforgettable experiences ahead. Once part of the Clayton family, always part of the Clayton family.

By the way, please take a moment to vote for London Holbrook for the Outstanding Youth Award

VOTE NOW:
https://form.jotform.com/261214146919154

📍Howard University
📍TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

05/11/2026

One thing about our Managing Attorney MarQ, she will always speak up for our clients and the men and women of Tarrant County Jail.

Here's screenshot of MarQ responding to a recent post from the Tarrant County Sheriff Office.

👀👀👀 READ BELOW

📸 via Tarrant County Sheriff's Office

05/10/2026

Appearing at SMU...

05/09/2026